ICAR-CCRI and LITU Ink MoU to Boost Academic and Research Collaboration in Citrus Science

29 July 2025, Nagpur

In a landmark initiative to foster academic excellence and agricultural innovation, the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, and Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University, Nagpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the occasion of ICAR-CCRI’s 41st Foundation Day celebration. The MoU was formally signed in the presence of Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, and Dr. Atul Narayan Baidya, Vice-Chancellor, LITU. The event was witnessed by eminent dignitaries, scientists, faculty members, and students, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration between two leading institutions in the heart of India’s citrus belt.

In his remarks, Dr. Ghosh, highlighted the institute’s strategic vision to elevate India’s citrus sector through innovation-led research, industry partnerships, and skill development. He stated, “This collaboration with LITU will act as a catalyst for developing a pool of talented citrus researchers who will drive science-based solutions and innovations for the benefit of farmers, processors, and exporters alike.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Vaidya, emphasized the critical need for bridging academic rigor with field-oriented research. He lauded ICAR-CCRI for its significant role in advancing India's horticultural landscape and expressed confidence that this collaboration would empower students and researchers to address emerging challenges in citrus cultivation, processing, and value chain development.

This historic partnership aims to launch a Joint Doctoral Degree Programme, facilitating high-quality research and advanced academic engagement in critical areas such as postharvest management, citrus processing, value-added product development, bioprospecting of citrus by-products, and climate-resilient horticulture. The collaboration is envisioned to provide a robust platform for nurturing next-generation scientists, technologists, and agri-entrepreneurs with a focused vision on citrus innovation and sustainability.

This MoU stands as the first-of-its-kind alliance between two premier Nagpur-based institutions, and is poised to serve as a model framework for future academia–research partnerships across India. It will enable joint research projects, co-guidance of doctoral scholars, sharing of laboratory and field infrastructure, and faculty-student exchange to create a holistic and interdisciplinary learning environment.

The signing of this MoU not only commemorates ICAR-CCRI’s four decades of dedicated service to citrus research but also sets the stage for a new era of integrated, interdisciplinary, and impact-driven education and research in India’s citrus ecosystem.

(Source: ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur)